CAREER EXPLORATORY INTENTIONS AND DECIDEDNESS AMONG STUDENTS: A CAREER SELF-MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The present study aimed to expand the knowledge on the career exploratory intentions and decidedness in the career self-management model of Social Cognitive Career Theory (Lent & Brown, 2013). To predict these career behaviours, we used hierarchical regression and analysed the predictors role of socioeconomic status, social support, career exploration, and decision-making learning experiences, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations. In addition to the career variables included in the Career Self-Management Model, this study also explored the role of work volition, a central variable from the Psychology of Working Theory. Data were collected using an online survey filled in by 235 college students. The results showed that positive emotions and outcome expectations were significant predictors of exploratory intentions, while self-efficacy was a constant significant predictor of career decidedness. Socioeconomic status and work volition were not significant predictors in any of the models.

Keywords

• career decidedness
• career exploratory intentions
• learning experiences
• social-cognitive career theory
• social influences